***This train scheduled service was discontinued in March, 2014 due to small demand. It is operated as a seasonal operation train. Please refer the most updated operation date at Seasonal Trains Schedule.***

This overnight train is operated between Ueno and Aomori. Japan Railway operate 3 overnight trains between Tokyo and Tohoku or Hokkaido. But only “Akebono” has the reserved seat. The other two trains, “Hokutosei” and “Cassiopeia”, have only the sleeper. If you take sleeper class by Japan Rail Pass, Japan Rail Pass is valid for the basic fare only. You have to pay not only sleeper class surcharge but also limited express surcharge. That means you do not need to pay the extra to get “Akebono” because this train has the reserved seat.

Akebono’s reserved seat gives you a great deal. This reserved seat is called “Goron-to-seat”. It is completely same as the bank bed type sleeper. The only difference is that this class does not give you any bedding sheet and pillow. But some Japan Rail Pass users are interested in the other choices. I show you all types of accommodations and the extra charges for Japan Rail Pass.

Accommodations and extra charge for Japan Rail Pass user

Single Deluxe

Additional fare 15,660yen to 16,500yen (Express surcharge 2,310yen to 3,150yen + Accommodation charge 13,350yen)
*If you take the train from Ueno to Akita, Express surcharge is 2,830yen. to Aomori from Ueno, it costs 3,150yen.
This is the best room in this train. The bed size is 196 cm X 80 cm. (Length/Width). This compartment has a small desk, a sink, TV (usually 2 video programs) and a power outlet. The desk is so small. It is even hard to use a mini notebook. There is no room that has a washroom or shower in the room in this train.

This room has a upper berth. If you want to use for 2 persons, extra charge for the second person is 9,540yen. And the lower berth can be converted to the sofa.

Isle

Single use

Amenities

Converted to sofa

Twin use

Solo

Additional fare 8,610yen to 9,450yen (Express surcharge 2,310yen to 3,150yen + Accommodation charge 6,300yen)
*If you take the train from Ueno to Akita, Express surcharge is 2,830yen. to Aomori from Ueno, it costs 3,150yen.
This is the basic type of single room. These rooms are located lower and upper level. The room height is so tight. You cannot stand up at the lower compartment. You may be able to stand up at the stair in the upper compartment. The upper compartment has a huge glass window above the bed. You may enjoy to see the stars when weather is clear. This room has a small table and mirror. it does not have any sink and power outlet. You cannot charge any batteries.

Exterior

Isle

Lower compartment

Upper compartment

Desk

Type B compartment

Additional fare 8,610yen to 9,450yen (Express surcharge 2,310yen to 3,150yen + Accommodation charge 6,300yen)
*If you take the train from Ueno to Akita, Express surcharge is 2,830yen. to Aomori from Ueno, it costs 3,150yen.
This is very basic sleeper in Japan. 4 beds are in one compartment. Lower berth is 195 cm X 70 cm X 111 cm. (Length/Width/Height) Upper berth is 195 cm X 70 cm X 95 cm. Lower berth has a little more head room.

Goron-to-seat

No extra charge
The size of bed is the exactly same as type B compartment. But you don’t need to pay any extra charge. So this one has the biggest deal in this train.

Other facilities

This train does not have any public space. When you eat and drink, you have to stay your compartment or seat. And there is no shared shower space in the train either.
I show some images of the washrooms. This train has both Japanese style and western style.

Hi
1. If we want to go to Hirosaki , Can we take this night train and get off at Hirosaki?
2. If we reserve seats for Goron-to-seat , we will not pay more with our JR pass, right?
3. If we want to reserveType B compartment or solo , we must pay more ,right?
4. Will the time table for thid train change in April 2015?
Thank u so much.
Sakuntala

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